New Store - Bakery Cake Decorator - Full Time - Midlothian, Virginia - Opening Early Fall 2026

As a Bakery Decorator, you will create and decorate cakes, tarts, pastries, and special‑order items, using artistic talent to build and finish specialty bakery goods while upholding quality standards and supporting company values and food‑safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, select pastry, and special‑order bakery items.
• Build, ice, and decorate cakes and other bakery items following standard procedures to meet business demand.
• Complete production and spoilage records according to standard procedures, adjusting production sheets to maintain sufficient product.
• Prioritize production lists and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Merchandise and showcase products in the sales display case to satisfy and delight customers.
• Monitor product quality for freshness and ensure proper product rotation within the display case, following standard procedures.
• Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other team members.
• Create special‑order cake designs based on customer preferences.
• Provide excellent customer service, address needs promptly, model suggestive selling, and answer phones/pages courteously.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintain equipment per Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid‑day, and closing duties as assigned, ensuring accuracy of signage and pricing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skill Requirements

• Efficient cake and pastry decorating skills, including intermediate piping techniques and the ability to create decorative flowers and borders.
• Understanding of color theory for blending buttercream colors and coordinating complementary palettes.
• Proficiency with all icings (Swiss Buttercream, American Buttercream, Ganache, Cream Cheese Icing, Whipped Cream, Chantilly, German Chocolate Icing, Fudge Icing, and various meringues).
• Ability to follow recipes, directions, and procedures; effective time‑management and organization skills.
• Advanced knife handling, tool, and equipment safety.
• Basic math skills for recipe conversions and modifications.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to team members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer‑service expectations and standards in all interactions.
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with a sense of urgency.

Experience

• Minimum of 6–12 months retail or restaurant experience.
• Completion of the Bakery Decorator Apprentice training program, or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience within a professional bakery or grocery retail, preferred.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8‑hour workday: standing/walking 6–8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Required motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA‑approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 °F (freezing), 32‑40 °F (refrigerators), >90 °F.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment such as knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery; may require use of ladders.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $15.50–$29.20 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers “Whole Benefits,” a comprehensive benefits program for full‑ and part‑time team members that includes store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness resources, health and wellness support programs, and additional team‑member perks. Eligibility varies by hire date, location, length of service, and job type.